Vietnam visa exemptions for the flight crew members of 12 countries on the basic principle of reciprocity.

1. United States

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Delta Airlines from the date of January 30, 2010.

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members Northwest Airlines from the date of June 01, 2009 (merged with Delta Airlines from January 30, 2010).

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) from the date of June 01, 2009.

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of United Airlines from the date of December 10, 2004.

2. Qatar

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Qatar Airways from the date of January 06, 2007.

3. Uzbekistan

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Uzbekistan Airways from the date of January 20, 2004.

4. Japan

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Japan Airlines (JAL) from October 01, 2002.

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of people who are citizens of third world countries of Japanese airlines, including All Nippon Airways airline from July 01, 2010.

5. Australia

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Jetstar Airways from the date November 30, 2006.

6. Russia

- Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Transaero Airlines from January 21, 2007 with a stay period not exceeding 30 days including the following conditions:

+ Perform flight duties on the non-specified airlines, flights by the airlines established by two countries, special flights, flights on the private aircrafts registered by either rental agencies or airlines themselves.

+ Possess a passport, a crew flight card accompanying with a crew list. － Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Valdivostok Air (XF) from the date of September 20, 2004.

7. Hong Kong (China)

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Hong Kong Airlines from date of October 28, 2007.

8. South Korea

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Asiana Airlines (OZ) from the date of October 10, 2003.

9. France

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Air France from the date of March 01, 2004.

10. Kazakhstan

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Kazakhstan with valid passports and the card of the flight crew members from the date of April 11, 2010.

11. Poland

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Polish airlines (LOT) from November 10, 2010.

12. Luxembourg

－ Visa Exemption for flight crew members of Cargolux Airlines from March 15, 2011.

Foreigners from these countries are allowed to stay in Vietnam for a maximum of 15 days visa-free, regardless of their passport types and entry purposes.

All regulations on visa exemptions applicable to the nationals of these seven countries have been replaced by Resolution 99. This visa exemption policy came into effect on January 1, 2015 and is effective until December 31, 2019, and then may be extended further in line with the laws of Vietnam.

Please note that according to updated LAW Number: 47/2014/QH13 dated June 16, 2014, Article 20. Conditions for entry, saying that : "A foreigner who is eligible for visa exemption upon entry under an unilateral visa exemption scheme must have a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months, and the interval between the entry date and the previous exit date must be at least 30 days". Therefore, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland passport holders can enter Vietnam without entrance visa but the entry date must be at least 30 days from the previous exit as unilateral visa-exempted person. Otherwise that person is required to have appropriate visa to enter Vietnam.

GOVERNMENT

--------------

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Independence-Freedom-Happiness

RESOLUTION

VISA EXEMPTION FOR NATIONALS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK, THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY, THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN AND THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND

GOVERMENT

In accordance with the Law of Organization of the Government on December 25, 2001;

In accordance with the Law of entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam June 16, 2014;

Based on the results of discussion among the members of the Government and the conclusions of the Prime Minister at the Government's regular meeting in September 2014,

RESOLVES:

Article 1.Exemption of visas for citizens of: The Russian Federation, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Republic of Finland when entering Vietnam with temporary residence in Vietnam that are not exceeded 15 days from the date of entry, regardless of the passport types, immigration purposes on the basis of fully meet the conditions prescribed by the law of Vietnam.

Article 2.Exemption of visas when entering Vietnam for citizens of countries mentioned in Article 1 of the Resolution to be implemented within 5 years from 01 January 01, 2015 to the end of December 31, 2019 and will be reviewed and extended under the provisions of Vietnam law.

Article 3.This Resolution shall take effect from the date of signing; replacing previous regulations on the visa exemption for citizens of countries defined in Article 1 of the Resolution.

Article 4.Ministers, mid-level Agencies, Government Agencies, Chairman of People's Committees of provinces and cities under Central Authority shall be responsible for implementation of this resolution.

Since July 1, 2004, Vietnam officially and unilaterally exempts visa for citizens of Japan and citizens of the Republic of Korea, regardless of the types of passports they bear (In reality, mostly applicable to ordinary passport holders because Japan and the Republic of Korea already entered into agreement with Vietnam on exemption of visa for bearers of diplomatic passports or official passports), have been exempted from visa for entry into or exit from Vietnam, with the stay duration not exceeding 15 days, provided that the following conditions are satisfied:

+ They bear appropriate passports issued by competent authorities of Japan or the Republic of Korea and still valid for up to 3 months from the date of their entry;

+ They have return tickets or tickets to travel to another country;

+ They are not in the list of persons not permitted to enter Vietnam.

(Decision No. 09/2004/QĐ-BNG dated June 30, 2004 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs promulgating Temporary Regulations on exemption of visa for citizens of Japan and citizens of the Republic of Korea.)

Decision No. 09/2004/QĐ-BNG still valid till now, however, according to updated LAW Number: 47/2014/QH13 dated June 16, 2014, Article 20. Conditions for entry, saying that : "A foreigner who is eligible for visa exemption upon entry under an unilateral visa exemption scheme must have a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months, and the interval between the entry date and the previous exit date must be at least 30 days". Therefore, Japan & Korea Republic passport holders can enter Vietnam without entrance visa but the entry date must be at least 30 days from the previous exit as unilateral visa-exempted person. Otherwise that person is required to have appropriate visa to enter Vietnam.

In other words, you must exit Vietnam for 30 days then eligible to re-enter Vietnam for visa-free-entrance or apply for a visa if your entry date not enough for 30 days from your previous exit date.

According to updated LAW Number: 47/2014/QH13 On foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam approved by THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY of Vietnam, signed on June 16, 2014 by Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Article 20. Conditions for entry

A foreigner may enter Vietnam when fully meeting the following conditions:

1. Having a passport or an international travel document and a visa.

A foreigner who is eligible for visa exemption upon entry under an unilateral visa exemption scheme must have a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months, and the interval between the entry date and the previous exit date must be at least 30 days;

Therefore citizens who hold passport of Russia, Japan, Korea Republic, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, Belarus, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italia who enters Vietnam as unilateral visa-exempted: the entry date must be at least 30 days from the previous exit as unilateral visa-exempted person. Otherwise that person is required to have appropriate visa to enter Vietnam.

On foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam[1]

________________

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Law provides principles, conditions, order and procedures for entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam and rights and obligations of foreigners; rights and responsibilities of Vietnamese state management agencies as well as agencies, organizations and individuals in foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 2. Subjects of application

This Law applies to foreigners who enter, exit, transit and reside in Vietnam, Vietnamese state management agencies and related Vietnamese and foreign agencies, organizations and individuals.

12. Temporary residence certification means determination by a competent Vietnamese agency of the period of time a foreigner may temporarily reside in Vietnam.

13. Temporary residence card means a document issued by the immigration management agency or a competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreigner who is permitted to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time. This card has the same validity as a visa.

14. Permanent residence card means a document issued by an immigration management agency to a foreigner who is permitted to reside indefinitely in Vietnam. This card has the same validity as a visa.

15. Immigration management agency means a specialized agency of the Ministry of Public Security which is in charge of management of foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

16. Immigration control unit means a specialized unit in charge of control of foreigners’ entry, exit and transit at border gates.

1. To comply with this Law and other relevant of laws of Vietnam or treaties to which Vietnam is a contracting party.

2. To respect the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; to ensure national security, social order and safety and equality in international relations.

3. To ensure publicity, transparency and convenience for foreigners; to closely and uniformly manage foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

4. A foreigner who holds more than one passport may use only one of them for his/her entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 5. Prohibited acts

1. Preventing foreigners and related agencies, organizations and individuals from exercising their rights or discharging their obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. Establishing procedures or requiring documents or charges in contravention of this Law and other relevant laws; causing harassments or troubles while carrying out procedures for foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through or residence in Vietnam.

3. Illegally entering, exiting, transiting or residing in Vietnam; forging or using forged papers for entry into, exit from, transit through or residence in Vietnam.

4. Providing false information or documents in order to obtain permission for entry into, exit from, transit through or residence in Vietnam.

5. Taking advantage of entry into, exit from, transit through or residence in Vietnam to act against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; infringing upon rights and legitimate interests of other agencies, organizations and individuals.

Foreigners who violate Clauses 3, 4, 5 and 6, Article 5; Clause 3, Article 21; and Point b, Clause 2, Article 44 of this Law shall have their papers for entry into, exit from or residence in Vietnam revoked or invalidated.

Chapter II

VISAS

Article 7. Validity and form of visas

1. Visas may be single or multiple ones and their status must not be changed.

2. Each person shall be granted a visa, except under-14 children who share passports with their parents or guardians.

3. Visas may be placed in passports or separate pieces of paper.

Article 8. Visa symbols

1. NG1 - To be granted to members of delegations invited by the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, the President, the Chairperson of the National Assembly or the Prime Minister.

2. NG2 - To be granted to members of delegations invited by the Standing Body of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Secretariat, Vice Presidents, National Assembly Vice Chairpersons, Deputy Prime Ministers, the President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, or the State Auditor General; members of delegations invited by ministers and the equivalent post holders, secretaries of Party Committees of provinces and centrally run cities or chairpersons of People’s Councils and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities.

3. NG3 - To be granted to members of diplomatic missions, consular offices and representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the United Nations, representative offices of intergovernmental organizations and their spouses, under-18 children and housemaids who live with them during their terms of office.

4. NG4 - To be granted to people who come to work with diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the United Nations and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations; visitors of members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the United Nations and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations.

5. LV1 - To be granted to people who come to work with departments, agencies and units under the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee; the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Audit of Vietnam, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-attached agencies, People’s Councils and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities.

6. LV2 - To be granted to people who come to work with socio-political organizations, social organizations and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

7. ĐT - To be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.

8. DN - To be granted to people who come to work with Vietnam-based enterprises.

9. NN1 - To be granted to heads of representative offices or projects of international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.

10. NN2 - To be granted to heads of representative offices or branches of foreign traders, representative offices of other foreign economic, cultural, professional organizations in Vietnam.

11. NN3 - To be granted to people who come to work with foreign non-governmental organizations, representative offices or branches of foreign traders, representative offices of other foreign economic, cultural, professional organizations in Vietnam.

12. DH - To be granted to people who come to practice as probationers or study in Vietnam.

13. HN - To be granted to people who come to attend conferences or workshops.

14. PV1 - To be granted to permanent correspondents and journalists in Vietnam.

15. PV2 - To be granted to correspondents and journalists who come to work for a short term in Vietnam.

16. LĐ - To be granted to people who come to work.

17. DL - To be granted to tourists.

18. TT - To be granted to foreigners who are parents, spouses, under-18 children of foreigners holding LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1 or LĐ visas, or foreigners who are parents, spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens.

19. VR - To be granted to people who come to visit their relatives or for other purposes.

20. SQ - To be granted to people in the cases prescribed in Clause 3, Article 17 of this Law.

5. Overseas Vietnamese holding passports or international travel documents issued by foreign competent agencies and foreigners who are their spouses or children; foreigners who are spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens who are exempted from visas under the Government’s regulations.

Article 13. Unilateral visa exemption

1. A decision on unilateral visa exemption for citizens of a country may be made only when the following conditions are fully met:

a/ Such country has diplomatic relations with Vietnam;

b/ The decision is conformable with Vietnam’s policies on socio-economic development and external relations in each period;

c/ The decision does not cause harms to Vietnam’s national defense, security, social order and safety.

2. A decision on unilateral visa exemption is valid for at most 5 years and may be considered for extension. A decision on unilateral visa exemption shall be invalidated if the conditions prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article are no longer fully met.

3. The Government shall, in pursuance to this Article, decide on definite unilateral visa exemption for each country.

1. Agencies, organizations and individuals inviting or guaranteeing foreigners to enter Vietnam under Clause 2, Article 10 of this Law include:

a/ The Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister;

b/ The Standing Body of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Secretariat, Vice President, Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Ministers, President of the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General; ministers or equivalent post holders; secretaries of Party Committees of provinces and centrally run cities, and chairpersons of People’s Councils and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities;

c/ Departments, agencies and units under the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, agencies of the National Assembly, agencies under the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Central Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Audit of Vietnam, ministerial-level agencies, and government-attached agencies;

d/ Party Committees of provinces and centrally run cities; People’s Councils and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally run cities;

dd/ Central bodies of socio-political organizations and social organizations, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

e/ Enterprises established under Vietnamese law;

g/ Diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam;

h/ Representative offices and branches of foreign traders; representative offices of foreign economic, cultural and other professional organizations in Vietnam;

i/ Other organizations with the legal person status as prescribed by Vietnamese law;

2. Agencies’ and organizations’ invitation of and guarantee for foreigners must conform to their function, tasks and powers prescribed by law or their operation licenses. Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam and foreigners holding temporary residence cards or permanent residence cards may invite or guarantee foreigners to visit Vietnam but must have papers proving their relationship with the invited or guaranteed persons.

Article 15. Procedures for inviting or guaranteeing foreigners to enter Vietnam at competent agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Foreigners falling into the cases prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 8 of this Law shall, via the inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations, send visa applications to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Agencies and organizations inviting or guaranteeing foreigners prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2, Article 8 of this Law shall notify in writing their invitation or guarantee to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latter to direct overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas to grant visas, if visas are required, and concurrently notify such to the immigration management agency.

3. Inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations prescribed in Clauses 3 and 4, Article 8 of this Law shall directly send visa applications to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latter to notify such in writing to the immigration management agency. Within 2 working days, if receiving no reply from the immigration management agency, the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply the inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations and request overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas to grant visas, if visas are required.

4. In case of applying for visas at border gates, it is required to specify the border gates and time of entry and reasons for applying for at border gates.

5. After receiving the written reply from the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agencies and organizations inviting or guaranteeing foreigners to Vietnam shall notify such to the foreigners for the latter to carry our procedures for receiving visas at overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas.

6. Agencies and organizations that apply for visas to foreigners at overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas shall pay to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a charge for notification of the grant of visas.

Article 16. Procedures for inviting or guaranteeing foreigners to enter Vietnam at the immigration management agency

1. Foreigners other than those mentioned in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 8 of this Law shall, via inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals, carry out procedures at the immigration management agency. The inviting or guaranteeing agencies and organizations shall directly submit visa applications to the immigration management agency.

2. Before carrying out procedures for inviting or guaranteeing a foreigner to enter Vietnam, a social organization, an enterprise or another organization having the legal person status as prescribed by Vietnamese law, a foreign trader’s branch or the representative office of a foreign economic, cultural or professional organization in Vietnam shall send to the immigration management agency a written notice, together with a dossier comprising:

a/ A certified copy of the organization’s establishment license or decision issued by a competent agency;

b/ A document introducing the seal and signature of the organization’s competent person.

The notice shall only be sent only once. If the contents of the dossier are changed, the agency or organization shall submit an additional notice.

3. Within 5 working days after receiving the visa application, the immigration management agency shall consider and process the dossier and send a reply to the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual and notify such to the overseas Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas.

4. After receiving the written reply from the immigration management agency, the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual shall notify such to the foreigner for the latter to carry out procedures for receiving the visa at the overseas Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas.

5. In case of applying for visa at a border gate, the immigration management agency shall consider and process the dossier within 3 working days after receiving a complete dossier, for the cases prescribed at Points a, b, c, and d, Clause 1, Article 18 of this Law; and within 12 working hours after receiving a complete dossier, for the cases prescribed at Points dd and e, Clause 1, Article 18 of this Law.

6. Agencies, organizations and individuals that apply for visas for foreigners at overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas shall pay to the immigration management agency a charge for notification of the grant of visas.

1. Within 1 working day after receiving the direction from the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the passport and the visa application stuck with a photo of the applicant, for the case prescribed in Clause 2, Article 15 of this Law, the overseas Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas shall grant a visa.

2. For cases other than those prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, after receiving the notice from the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual, the foreigner shall submit his/her passport, the application and his/her photo to an overseas Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas, if visas are required. Under-14 children who share passports with their parents or guardians are not required to make visa applications.

Within 3 working days after receiving a notice from the immigration management agency or the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the overseas Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas shall grant a visa.

3. Heads of overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas shall grant visas which are valid for at most 30 days to foreigners who wish to enter Vietnam to conduct market surveys, take tours, visit relatives or receive medical treatment and fall into any of the following cases:

a/ Those who have working relations with overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas and their spouses and children; those who have received written requests of competent agencies of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the host countries;

b/ Those who have a diplomatic note of guarantee issued by a foreign diplomatic mission or consular office at the host country.

4. After granting visas to persons prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article, the heads of overseas Vietnamese agencies competent to grant visas shall notify such to the immigration management agency and bear responsibility for the grant of visas.

Article 18. Grant of visas at border gates

1. A foreigner may be granted a visa at an international border gate in the following cases:

a/ He/she departs from a country without a Vietnamese agency competent to grant visas;

b/ He/she has to travel through many countries before arriving in Vietnam;

c/ He/she enters Vietnam on a tour organized by an international travel agent in Vietnam;

d/ He/she is a crewmember on board a foreign ship anchoring at a Vietnamese seaport and wishes to leave Vietnam through another border gate;

dd/ He/she enters Vietnam to attend the funeral of a relative, or to visit a seriously ill relative;

e/ He/she enters Vietnam to join in the handling of urgent incidents, search and rescue, prevention and control of natural disasters or epidemics or for other special purposes at the request of a competent Vietnamese agency.

2. Foreigners who are eligible for visa grant at international border gates shall submit their passports or international travel documents and filled visa applications stuck with their photos, to immigration control units. Information on under-14 children who share passports with their parents or guardians shall be declared on visa applications of their parents or guardians.

3. Immigration control units shall examine and check information against notices of the immigration management agency before granting visas.

Article 19. Grant of visas at the immigration management agency or competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. If wishing to be granted a new visa, a foreigner temporarily residing in Vietnam shall request the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual to carry out procedures at the immigration management agency or competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article shall directly send a visa application, enclosed with the passport or international travel document of the foreigner, to the immigration management agency or the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Within 5 working days after receiving a complete dossier, the immigration management agency or competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider granting a visa.

Chapter III

ENTRY

Article 20. Conditions for entry

A foreigner may enter Vietnam when fully meeting the following conditions:

1. Having a passport or an international travel document and a visa.

A foreigner who is eligible for visa exemption upon entry under an unilateral visa exemption scheme must have a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months, and the interval between the entry date and the previous exit date must be at least 30 days;

2. Not falling into the cases of suspension from entry prescribed in Article 21 of this Law.

Article 21. Persons and cases subject to suspension from entry

1. Those who do not meet the conditions prescribed in Clause 1 Article 20 of this Law.

2. Under-14 children who are not accompanied by their parents, guardians or authorized persons.

3. Those who have forged papers or mad false declaration to obtain entry, exit or residence papers.

4. Those who suffer mental diseases or infectious diseases which threaten the community’s health.

5. Those who were expelled from Vietnam within the last 3 years, counted from the effective date of the expulsion decisions.

6. Those who were compelled to leave Vietnam within the last 6 months, counted from the effective date of the decisions on compelled exit.

7. For epidemic prevention and control.

8. In circumstance of natural disasters.

9. For national defense, security or social order and safety.

Article 22. Competence to decide on suspension from entry

1. Heads of immigration control units shall decide on suspension from entry in the cases prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Article 21 of this Law.

2. The Minister of Health shall decide on suspension of entry in the cases prescribed in Clause 7, Article 21 of this Law.

3. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall decide on suspension of entry in the cases prescribed in Clause 8, Article 21 of this Law.

4. The Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defense shall decide on suspension of entry in the cases prescribed in Clause 9, Article 21 of this Law.

5. Persons competent to issue decisions on suspension of entry may decide to lift such suspension and shall take responsibility before law for their decisions.

Chapter IV

TRANSIT

Article 23. Conditions for transit

A foreigner may transit Vietnam when fully meeting the following conditions:

1. Having a passport or an international travel document;

2. Having a ticket suitable to his/her trip to the third country;

3. Having the third country’s visa, except those who are exempted from visas.

Article 24. Transit areas

1. Transit areas are areas within international border gates where foreigners may stay before going to a third country.

2. Transit areas are decided by agencies competent to manage international border gates.

Article 25. Air passengers’ transit

1. Foreigners in transit who travel by air are exempted from visas and must stay within transit areas at international airports pending their flights.

2. During their transit time, if foreigners wish to enter Vietnam to take sightseeing tours organized by Vietnam-based international travel agents, they may be considered for grant of visas in conformity with their transit time.

Article 26. Sea passengers’ transit

Foreigners in transit who travel by sea are exempted from visas and must stay within transit areas at international seaports while their ships are anchoring; if wishing to enter Vietnam to take sightseeing tours organized by Vietnam-based international travel agents, they may be considered for grant of visas in conformity with their transit time; if wishing to exit Vietnam through another border gate, they will be considered for grant of a VR visa.

Chapter V

EXIT

Article 27. Conditions for exit

A foreigner may exit Vietnam if fully meeting the following conditions:

3. Not falling into the cases of suspension from exit prescribed in Article 28 of this Law.

Article 28. Cases of suspension from exit and duration of suspension

1. A foreigner may be suspended from exit if falling into one of the following cases:

a/ Being the accused, a defendant or person with related obligations in a criminal case; or being a defendant or person with related obligations in a civil, business, commercial, labor, administrative or marriage and family case;

b/ Being obliged to serve a court judgment or decision or a decision of the Competition Settlement Council;

c/ Having not yet fulfilled his/her tax obligations;

d/ Being obliged to execute a decision on sanctioning of administrative violation;

dd/ For the reason of national defense and security.

2. Clause 1 of this Article is not applicable to people who are serving imprisonment sentences and escorted abroad to provide evidence under Article 25 of the Law on Judicial Assistance.

3. The duration of suspension from exit must not exceed 3 years and may be extended.

1. Heads of investigation agencies, chairpersons of procuracies, presidents of courts, heads of judgment enforcement agencies and chairpersons of competition settlement councils shall, within the ambit of their tasks and powers, decide on exit suspension in the cases prescribed at Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 28 of this Law.

2. Heads of tax administration agencies shall decide on exit suspension in the cases prescribed at Point c, Clause 1, Article 28 of this Law.

3. The Minister of Public Security shall decide to suspend the exit of foreigners prescribed at Point d, Clause 1, Article 28 of this Law in the following cases:

a/ The foreigners are obliged to execute decisions on sanctioning of administrative violations issued by public security agencies;

b/ At the request of the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies or chairpersons of provincial-level People’s Committees.

4. The Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defense shall decide on exit suspension in the cases prescribed at Point dd, Clause 1, Article 28 of this Law.

5. Persons competent to decide on exit suspension are also competent to extend the suspension duration and lift suspension, and shall take responsibility before law for their decisions.

Persons who decide on exit suspension shall issue decisions to lift suspension right after the reasons for exit suspension no longer exist.

6. Decisions on exit suspension, extension of suspension duration, or lift of suspension must be promptly sent to the immigration management agency and the persons subject to exit suspension for execution.

1. A foreigner may be compelled to exit Vietnam in any of the following cases:

a/ His/her temporary residence duration has expired but he/she does not leave Vietnam;

b/ For the reason of national defense, security or social order and safety.

2. Competence to decide on compelled exit:

a/ The immigration management agency shall decide on compelled exit in the case prescribed at Point a, Clause 1 of this Article;

b/ The Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defense shall decide on compelled exit in the case prescribed at Point b, Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter VI

RESIDENCE

Section 1

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE

Article 31. Temporary residence certification

1. Immigration control units shall grant temporary residence certification to foreigners on entry by appending a seal to their passports or loose visas as follows:

a/ The duration of temporary residence equals the validity duration of visas. For those whose visas are going to expire in 15 days or less, the duration of temporary residence will be 15 days. For those who hold ĐT or LĐ visas, the temporary residence duration must not exceed 12 months and the grant of a temporary residence card may be considered;

b/ For those who are exempted from visas under treaties to which Vietnam is contracting party, the duration of temporary residence complies with such treaties or will be 30 days if such treaties do not provide a duration of temporary residence;

c/ For those who are exempted from visas to enter border-gate economic zones or special administrative-economic units, the temporary residence duration will be 15 days or 30 days, respectively;

d/ For citizens of countries eligible for Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption, the temporary residence duration will be 15 days;

2. Foreigners may temporarily reside in Vietnam throughout the permitted temporary residence duration.

3. The temporary residence duration may be cancelled or shortened by the immigration management agency in case foreigners violate Vietnamese law.

Article 32. Accommodation establishments

Accommodation establishments are places where foreigners temporarily reside in the Vietnamese territory, including tourist accommodation establishments, guesthouses, housing areas for foreigners who work, study, practice as probationers, or medical examination and treatment establishments, private houses, and other accommodation establishments prescribed by law.

Article 33. Declaration of temporary residence

1. Foreigners who temporarily reside in Vietnam shall, via managers and executives of accommodation establishments, declare their temporary residence to public security agencies of communes, wards or townships or police stations in localities where such accommodation establishments are located.

2. Accommodation establishments’ managers and executives shall fill in temporary residence declarations for foreigners and submit such declarations to public security agencies of communes, wards or townships or police stations in localities where their accommodation establishments are located within 12 hours or within 24 hours, for remote and deep-lying areas, after the foreigners arrive in their establishments.

3. Tourist accommodation establishments that are hotels must have Internet access or have their computer networks connected to immigration management agencies under provincial-level Public Security Departments in order to transmit information on foreigners’ temporary residence. Other accommodation establishments that have Internet access may directly send declared information on foreigners’ temporary residence to email addresses of immigration management agencies under provincial-level Public Security Departments.

4. Foreigners who change their places of temporary residence or reside at places other than those stated in their temporary residence cards shall make temporary residence declaration under Clause 1 of this Article.

2. Foreigners may not temporarily reside in restricted areas in land and sea border areas. In case foreigners reside in accommodation establishments in border areas or tourist townships, towns and cities or tourist and service centers, special administrative-economic units and other economic zones in border areas, the declaration of temporary residence complies with Article 33 of this Law. Agencies that receive information on foreigners’ temporary residence shall notify such information to border guard stations of localities where accommodation establishments are located.

Article 35. Extension of temporary residence duration

1. If wishing to extend his/her temporary residence duration, a foreigner temporarily residing in Vietnam shall request the agency, organization or individual that has invited or guaranteed him/her to carry out procedures at the immigration management agency or the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article shall send a written request for extension of temporary residence duration, enclosed with the passport or international travel document of the foreigners, directly to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the cases prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 8 of this Law, or to the immigration management agency, for the cases prescribed in Clause 1, Article 16 of this Law.

3. Within 5 working days after receiving a complete dossier, the immigration management agency or competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider extending the temporary residence duration.

1. Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations affiliated to the United Nations or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, their spouses, under-18 children and housemaid who live with them during their terms of office may be granted temporary residence cards with the symbol NG3.

a/ A written request of the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization or individual;

b/ A declaration for grant of a temporary residence card, stuck the applicant’s photo;

c/ The passport;

d/ Papers proving the eligibility as prescribed in Article 36 of this Law.

2. Grant of temporary residence cards:

a/ Diplomatic missions, consular offices or other authorized foreign agencies in Vietnam shall send dossiers of application for NG3 temporary residence cards to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

b/ Inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals shall directly submit dossiers of application for temporary residence cards for foreigners prescribed in Clause 2, Article 36 of this Law to immigration management agencies in localities where inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals are located or where invited or guaranteed persons reside.

c/ Within 5 working days after receiving a complete dossier, the immigration management agency or competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall consider granting a temporary residence card.

Article 38.Validity duration of temporary residence cards

1. The validity duration of a temporary residence card granted to a foreigner is at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity duration of the passport of its holder.

2. The validity duration of an NG3, LV1, LV2, ĐT or DH temporary residence card is at most 5 years.

3. The validity duration of an NN1, NN2 or TT temporary residence card is at most 3 years.

4. The validity duration of an LĐ or PV1 temporary residence card is at most 2 years.

5. Those whose temporary residence cards expired may be considered for grant of a new card.

1. Foreigners who have made meritorious services and contributions to the national construction and defense of Vietnam and awarded medals or state honorary titles by the Vietnamese Government.

2. Foreigners who are scientists or experts temporarily residing in Vietnam.

3. Foreigners guaranteed by their parents, spouses or children who are Vietnamese citizen permanently residing in Vietnam.

4. Stateless persons who have been temporarily residing Vietnam since 2000 or earlier.

Article 40. Conditions for consideration for permission for permanent residence

1. Foreigners prescribed in Article 39 of this Law may be permitted for permanent residence if they have lawful places of habitation and stable incomes to ensure their livelihood in Vietnam.

2. Foreigners prescribed in Clause 2, Article 39 of this Law must be requested by ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies or heads of government-attached agencies that perform the state management in their professional fields.

3. Foreigners prescribed in Clause 3, Article 39 of this Law must have been temporarily residing in Vietnam for at least 3 consecutive years.

b/ The applicant’s criminal record issued by a competent authority of the country of which the applicant is a citizen;

c/ A diplomatic note from the representative mission of the country of which the applicant is a citizen, requesting permanent residence permission for the applicant;

d/ A certified copy of the applicant’s passport;

dd/ Papers proving the applicant’s satisfaction of the conditions for permanent residence permission prescribed in Article 40 of this Law;

e/ A letter of guarantee, for foreigners prescribed in Clause 3, Article 39 of this Law.

2. Within 4 months after receiving a complete dossier, the Minister of Public Security shall consider and decide to permit permanent residence; if considering it necessary to make further verification, this time limit may be extended for up to 2 months.

3. The immigration management agency shall notify in writing the results to the applicant and provincial-level Public Security Department of the locality where the foreigner wishes to permanently reside.

4. Within 5 working days after receiving a notice from the immigration management agency, the provincial-level Public Security Department of the locality where the applicant wishes to permanently reside shall notify such to the foreigner whose application is accepted.

5. Within 3 months after receiving the notice of permanent residence permission, the foreigner must go to the immigration management agency of the provincial-level Public Security Department of the locality where he/she wishes to permanently reside to receive a permanent residence card.

Article 42. Permanent residence permission for stateless persons

1. A stateless person prescribed in Clause 4, Article 39 of this Law shall submit an application to the immigration management agency under the provincial-level Public Security Department of the locality where he/she is temporarily residing. The dossier comprises:

a/ An application for permanent residence permission;

b/ Papers proving that he/she has been temporarily residing in Vietnam since before 2000 and fully satisfy the conditions prescribed in Clause 1, Article 40 of this Law.

2. Procedures for permitting permanent residence of stateless persons must comply with Clauses 2, 3, 4 and 5, Article 41 of this Law.

Article 43. Renewal and re-grant of permanent residence cards

1. Permanent residence cards shall be granted by provincial-level Public Security Departments. Once every 10 years, foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam shall come to provincial-level Public Security Departments of the localities where they are residing to have their permanent residence cards renewed. A dossier comprises:

a/ An application for renewal of a permanent residence card;

b/ The permanent residence card;

c/ A certified copy of the passport, except for stateless persons.

2. If his/her permanent residence card is lost or damaged, or if there are any changes to its contents, a foreigner shall carry out procedures for re-grant of the card at the Public Security Department of the province or centrally run city where he/she is residing. The application dossier comprises:

a/ An application for re-grant of a permanent residence card;

b/ The permanent residence card or a report on the loss of the card, if the card is lost;

c/ A certified copy of the passport, except for stateless persons;

d/ Papers proving the changes in the contents of the permanent residence card.

3. Within 20 days after receiving a complete dossier, the Public Security Department of the province or centrally run city where the foreigner is residing shall re-grant the card.

Chapter VII

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGNERS; RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS INVITING OR GUARANTEEING FOREIGNERS TO VIETNAM

Article 44. Rights and obligations of foreigners

1. Foreigners who enter, exit, transit or reside in Vietnam have the following rights:

a/ To have their lives, honor, property, and rights and legitimate interests protected in accordance with Vietnamese law while they are residing in the territory of Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b/ Temporary residence card holders may provide guarantee for their grandparents, parents, spouses and children to enter Vietnam; and provide guarantee for their spouses and under-18 children to stay with them within the validity duration of their temporary residence cards if their inviting or guaranteeing agencies or organizations so agree.

c/ Permanent residence card holders may provide guarantee for their parents, parents, spouses and children to visit Vietnam;

d/ Those who are residing lawfully in Vietnam may travel in the Vietnamese territory for the tourist purpose combined with the purpose of visiting relatives or taking medical treatment without having to ask for permission; those who enter restricted areas shall comply with law;

dd/ Crewmembers on board ships entering Vietnam may go onshore within the provinces or centrally run cities where their ships are anchored; if they wish to go beyond the above areas or exit Vietnam through another border gates, they may be considered for grant of visas;

e/ Spouse and children of a member of a diplomatic mission, consular office, representative office of an international organization affiliated to the United Nations, or an intergovernmental organization in Vietnam who enter Vietnam together with such person during his/her term of office may work if they have work permits, except for those who are ineligible for grant of work permits; and may go to school if they are accepted in writing by schools or educational institutions;

g/ Those who are studying at schools or educational institutions under treaties or international agreements may work if such is permitted in writing by the schools or educational institutions;

h/ Stateless persons permanently residing in foreign countries may enter Vietnam for the purpose of tourism or visiting relatives;

i/ Stateless persons residing in Vietnam who wish to exit Vietnam may be considered for grant of international travel documents by the Ministry of Public Security.

2. Foreigners who enter, exit or reside in Vietnam have the following obligations:

a/ To comply with Vietnamese law; to respect Vietnam’s cultural traditions and customs;

b/ To operate in Vietnam in accordance with the purposes of their entry;

c/ To carry along passports or international travel documents and papers related to their residence in Vietnam while traveling, and produce them to competent agencies when so requested;

d/ Foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam, when leaving Vietnam to another country for permanent residence, shall return their permanent residence cards to immigration control units at border gates.

Article 45. Rights and responsibilities of inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals

1. Inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals have the following rights:

a/ Organizations lawfully established in Vietnam may invite and provide guarantee for foreigners to enter Vietnam in conformity with their functions, tasks and scope and domains of operation;

b/ Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in the country may invite or provide guarantee for the grandparents and parents of their spouses, children and siblings who are foreigners to enter Vietnam;

c/ Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in the country may provide guarantee for their parents, spouses and children who are foreigners to apply for permanent residence permission or temporary residence cards in Vietnam.

2. Inviting and guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals have the following responsibilities:

a/ To carry out procedures for inviting or providing guarantee for foreigners to enter, exit or reside in Vietnam in accordance with this Law;

b/ To provide guidance and explanation to foreigners for them to comply with law and respect Vietnam’s cultural traditions and customs;

c/ To fulfill their guarantee responsibility as prescribed by law and coordinate with Vietnamese competent agencies in settling arising problems related to the invited or guaranteed foreigners;

d/ To coordinate with functional agencies in managing foreigners’ activities in accordance with their entry purposes during their temporary residence in Vietnam; to coordinate with accommodation establishments in making temporary residence declaration for foreigners;

dd/ To carry out procedures at state management agencies in charge of sectors or fields which require the application for permission before inviting or providing guarantee for foreigners to enter Vietnam to operate in such sectors or fields.

e/ To notify in writing the immigration management agency of the cases in which foreigners’ granted entry, exit or residence papers have not yet expired but inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals no longer wish to provide guarantee for such foreigners during their temporary residence in Vietnam, and coordinate with functional agencies in requesting such foreigners to leave Vietnam.

Chapter VIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR FOREIGNERS’ ENTRY INTO, EXIT FROM, TRANSIT THROUGH AND RESIDENCE IN VIETNAM

Article 46. Responsibilities of the Government

1. To perform the uniform management of foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. To provide a mechanism for coordination among ministries, ministerial-level agencies and provincial-level People’s Committees in management of foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 47. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

1. To take responsibility before the Government for assuming the prime responsibility for, and coordinating with related ministries and ministerial-level agencies in, performing the state management of foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. To assume the prime responsibility for formulating and submitting to competent agencies for promulgation, or to promulgate according to its competence, legal documents on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

3. To organize the implementation of legal documents on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

4. To grant permits for foreigners’ entry into, exit from and residence in Vietnam.

5. To control the entry, exit and transit at international border gates as prescribed by law.

6. To conduct inspection and examination, settle complaints and denunciations, and handle violations of the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

7. To promulgate forms of papers on foreigners’ entry into, exit from and residence in Vietnam.

8. To make state statistics on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

9. To enter into international cooperation according to its competence, to propose to competent agencies the conclusion of and accession to treaties on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 48. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. To coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security in managing foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. To grant, modify, supplement and invalidate visas; to grant and invalidate temporary residence cards; to extend temporary residence duration for foreigners in accordance with this Law.

4. To propose to competent agencies the conclusion of and accession to treaties on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 49. Responsibilities of the Ministry of National Defense

1. To coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security in managing foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. To control the entry, exit and transit at border gates as prescribed by law; to grant, modify, supplement and invalidate visas and issue temporary residence certification in accordance with this Law.

3. To examine and handle violations of law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam at border gates under its management.

Article 50. Responsibilities of other ministries and ministerial-level agencies

Ministries and ministerial-level agencies other than those mentioned in Article 48 and Article 49 of this Law shall, within the ambit of their tasks and powers, coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense in managing foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Article 51. Responsibilities of People’s Committees of different levels

1. To organize the implementation of the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

2. To direct their professional agencies to perform the management of foreigners’ residence in their localities in accordance with this Law.

3. To conduct dissemination and education of the law on entry, exit and residence to foreigners in their localities.

4. To conduct inspection and examination, settle complaints and denunciations, and handle violations of the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in their localities.

5. In addition to the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Article, People’s Committees of communes, wards and townships must grasp the operations of accommodation establishments and manage foreigners’ residence and activities in their localities.

Article 52. Responsibilities of Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations

1. To coordinate with competent state agencies in disseminating and educating this Law and in encouraging people to implement it.

2. To supervise the implementation of the law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 53. Transitional provisions

Entry, exit and residence papers of foreigners in Vietnam granted before the effective date of this Law and remaining valid may be used until their expiry date.

Article 54. Effect

1. This Law takes effect on January 01, 2015.

2. The Ordinance No. 24/1999/PL-UBTVQH10 on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from and Residence in Vietnam ceases to be effective from the effective date of this Law.

Article 55. Detailing

The Government shall detail articles and clauses as assigned in this Law.

This Law was passed on June 16, 2014, by the XIIIth National Assembly of Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the 7th session.-

Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish passport holders are exempted from requiring visas when they enter, exit or stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days. This is unilateral visa exemption policy from Vietnam government to attract more tourists to Vietnam.

Decision No. 808/2005/QD-BNG issued by the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry on April 13 stipulates that these countries' citizens must have valid passports for at least three months since they enter Vietnam, return tickets or tickets for a third country. This does not apply to those who have been banned from entering or have not been allowed to enter Vietnam under Vietnamese laws.

After entering Vietnam, if they want to stay more than 15 days, and have a valid reason as laid out by Vietnamese agencies, organisations and individuals for the Ministry of Public Security and the Foreign Ministry, they will be required to have a visa.

According to new regulation for foreigner who enters Vietnam as unilateral visa-exempted: the entry date must be at least 30 days from the previous exit as unilateral visa-exempted person. Otherwise that person is required to have appropriate visa to enter Vietnam. Therefore Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish passport holders should apply for a visa to getting in Vietnam if you will re-entering the country in less than 30 days from your previous exit date.

According to the Resolution No. 39/NQ-CP dated on June 1, 2015 about visa exemption for citizens of the Republic of Belarus. Belarus citizens are exempted visa for entering Vietnam for a sojourn not exceeding 15 days, counting from the date of entry, regardless of their passport types and entry purposes, provided they meet all the conditions prescribed by Vietnam’s law. Please see below for details translated from Vietnamese version.

THE GOVERNMENT

-------

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAMIndependence - Freedom - Happiness

---------------

No. 39/NQ-CP

Hanoi, June 1, 2015

RESOLUTION

ON VISA EXEMPTION FOR CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

THE GOVERNMENT

Pursuant to the December 25, 2001 Law on Organization of the Government;

Pursuant to the June 16, 2014 Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam;

Based on the discussions of the cabinet members and the conclusion of the Prime Minister at the Government’s May 2015 regular meeting,

RESOLVES:

Article 1. To exempt visa for citizens of the Republic of Belarus entering Vietnam for a sojourn not exceeding 15 days, counting from the date of entry, regardless of their passport types and entry purposes, provided they meet all the conditions prescribed by Vietnam’s law.

Article 2. The policy on entry visa exemption for citizens of the Republic of Belarus shall be implemented within 5 years from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2020, and will be considered for extension in accordance with Vietnam’s law.

Are you searching for Son La Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Son La)? Please see below for official address of Immigration Department in Son La - where you can go to extend or renew your visa there :

Do you want to find Soc Trang Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Soc Trang)? Below is official address of Immigration Department in Soc Trang - where you can go to extend or renew your visa :

Address : Phú Lợi Street, Ward 2, Sóc Trăng , Sóc Trăng Province

Need support for visa extension and renewal ? email info@visa-vietnam.org

Looking for Quang Ngai Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Quang Ngai) ? Horay, please see below for official address of Immigration Department where you can contact in person to extend or renew visa :

Search for address of Phu Yen Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Phu Yen)? Below is official address where tourists and foreigners in Phu Yen can go for extending and renewing visa :

Are you searching for Ninh Binh Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Ninh Binh)? Horay, please see below for official address to go for extending and renewing your Vietnam visa:

Searching for Nghe An Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Vinh) ? Please see below for official address where travelers and foreigners living in Nghe An go to extend and renew visa :

Nam Dinh Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Nam Dinh) - Official place where travelers and foreigners living in Nam Dinh can go to extend or renew visa. Please see below :

Address : 117 Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Nam Định city, Nam Dinh Province

Please email to info@visa-vietnam.org if you need any support or infomation.

Do you want to extend you visa & want to search for Lang Son Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Lang Son)? . Please see below for official address of Immigration Department in Lang Son :

Do you find information of Lao Cai Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Lao Cai)? Please see below for official address of Immigration Department in Lao Cai - Place to extend or renew your visa in Vietnam:

Are you foreigners in Lai Chau & want to search for Lai Chau Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Lai Chau) ? Please see below for official address where you can extend your visa :

Are you searching for Khanh Hoa Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Nha Trang city)? Please see below for official address of Immigration office in Nha Trang - where to extend or renew visa :

Do you search for details of Hau Giang Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Hau Giang) - Where you can contact to extend or renew your Vietnam visa. Please see below, it's official.

Are you looking for information of Ho Chi Minh or Saigon city Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh city). Hereafter official address for tourists and business people can contact to extend and renew visa :

Living in Gia Lai & want to find information of Gia Lai Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Pleiku) ? Please see below for official address where you can contact in person to extend or renew visa :

Are you search for information of Dien Bien Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Dien Bien) ? Please see below for address where you can contact in person to extend or renew visa :

Are you looking for address of Binh Duong Province’s Immigration Office (Vietnam Immigration Department in Binh Duong) ? Please see below for address where you can contact in person to extend or renew your visa :

Circular No. 157/2015/TT-BTC dated October 08, 2015 of the Ministry of Finance on collection, payment, management of fees for issuance of passports, visas, documents related to entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam 10/8/2015 (good news : from 23 Nov 2015, stamp fee for visa on arrival at international airport of Vietnam will be $25USD for single entry visa & $50USD for multiple entry visa, please see below for details)

COLLECTION, PAYMENT, MANAGEMENT OF FEES FOR ISSUANCE OF PASSPORTS, VISAS, DOCUMENTS RELATED TO ENTRY, EXIT, TRANSIT, AND RESIDENCE IN VIETNAM.

Pursuant to the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13 dated June 16, 2014;

Pursuant to the Law on State budget No. 01/2002/QH11 dated December 16, 2002;

Pursuant to the Ordinance on Fees and Charges No. 38/2001/PL-UBTVQH dated August 28, 2001, the Government's Decree No. 57/2002/ND-CP dated June 03, 2002, and the Government's Decree No. 24/2006/ND-CP dated March 06, 2006 on amendments to Decree No. 57/2002/ND-CP;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No.136/2007/ND-CP dated August 17, 2007 on entry and exit of Vietnamese citizens and the Government's Decree No. 65/2012/ND-CP dated September 06, 2012 on amendments to Decree No. 136/2007/NĐ-CP;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 215/2013/ND-CP dated December 23, 2013 defining the functions, tasks, entitlements and organizational structure of the Ministry of Finance;

At the request of the Director of the Tax Policy Department,

The Minister of Finance promulgates a Circular on collection, payment, management of fees for issuance of passports, visas, documents for entry, exit, transit, and residence in Vietnam:

Article 1. Scope

This Circular deals with collection, payment, management of fees for issuance of passports, visas, documents for Vietnamese and foreigners to enter, exit, transit through, and reside in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as immigration fees) collected in Vietnam by agencies affiliated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 2. Fee payer

Any Vietnamese citizen who submit an application to the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Ministry of National Defense for issuance of a passport or document related to issuance of the passport (if any); foreigners granted visas by such authorities; foreigners granted documents for entry, exit, transit through, or residence in Vietnam shall pay fees as prescribed by this Circular.

Article 3. Cases of fee exemptions

1. Invited guests (including their spouses and children) of Communist Party, the State, the Government, the National Assembly.

2. Employees of foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative agencies of international organizations in Vietnam, their family (spouses and children under 18) who are not Vietnamese citizens and not residing in Vietnam are exempt from immigration fees on the principle of reciprocity.

3. Foreigners exempt from visa fees under international agreements between Vietnam and other countries, or on the principle of reciprocity.

5. The persons exempt from immigration fees under particular decisions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Public Security, or the Minister of National Defense.

The fee-collecting agency shall append the GRATIS seal on issued documents in the aforementioned cases of fee exemption.

In case a Vietnamese citizen or foreigner has paid the fee for issuance of a passport or document associated with issuance of the passport and visa but is not eligible to be granted such documents, the fee-collecting agency shall refund the fee using the revenue from collected immigration fees when receiving a notice of ineligibility. The fee shall not be refunded if the applicant refuses to receive the result.

Article 4. Fee rates

1. Immigration fees are specified in the Appendix enclosed herewith.

2. Immigration fees shall be collected in VND. The fees collected in USD shall be collected in USD or converted from VND according to the average exchange rate on inter-bank foreign exchange market announced by the State bank of Vietnam on the collection date.

Article 5. Fee collection, payment, and management

1. Agencies of the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of National Defense assigned to issue passports, visas, immigration documents shall collect immigration fees (hereinafter referred to as fee-collecting agency) as follows:

a) Post the fee rates prescribed by this Circular where fees are collected. Issue receipts to fee payers (received at local tax authorities in the same area as the fee-collecting agency).

b) Collect fees in cash or other non-cash payment methods; open an account at the State Treasury in the same area to temporary deposit collected fees. If fees are paid as non-cash payment, accounts may be opened at commercial banks, credit institutions, and service organizations as prescribed by law. Make a statement of fees transferred to the account at the State Treasury shall be made every day or on the next working day at the latest.

c) Register, declare, transfer fees in accordance with Circular No. 156/2013/TT-BTC on guidelines for the Law on Tax administration, the Law on amendments to the law on tax administration, and the Government's Decree No. 83/2013/NĐ-CP.

2. The fee-collecting agency may retain 30% of the total collected fees to defray the costs of:

e) Purchase of supplies, tools, working equipment, and other regular expenses related to fee collection works.

f) Development of reward and welfare funds; the amount transfer to these funds must not exceed 3 month's wages of the fee-collecting department if the collected amount is higher than the last year’s, and equals (=) to 2 month’s wages if the collected amount is not higher than the last year’s.

g) Detention, expulsion, and repatriation of foreigners that illegally reside in Vietnam.

h) Other expenses serving immigration management decided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Public Security, or the Minister of National Defense.

The retained amount must be used by the fee-collecting agency properly with legitimate documents and in accordance with regulations. Redundant amount shall be carried forward to the next year.

The Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense shall regulate the retainable amount (30% of total amount collected) among their fee-collecting units to ensure sufficient budget for collection of immigration fees.

3. The remaining 70% of collected immigration fees shall be transferred to state budget. The amount transferred to state budget shall be distributed among different levels of state budget according to the Law on State budget.

Holders of accounts for temporary deposit of immigration fees shall follow procedures to transfer the fees to state budget.

4. The making and execution of the revenue and expenditure estimate, statement of collected and spent immigration fees shall comply with Circular No. 63/2002/TT-BTC dated July 24, 2002.

2. Fee payers and relevant agencies are responsible for the implementation of this Circular. Difficulties that arise during the course of implementation of this Circular should be reported to the Ministry of Finance for consideration./.

PP MINISTERDEPUTY MINISTER(Signed and sealed)

Vu Thi Mai

FEES FOR ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT, VISA, DOCUMENTS RELATED TO ENTRY, EXIT, TRANSIT, AND RESIDENCE IN VIETNAM

(Promulgated together with Circular No. 157/2015/TT-BTC dated October 08, 2015 of the Ministry of Finance)

I. Fees paid by Vietnamese citizens.

No.

Description

Fee (VND)

1

Passport:

+ New issuance

200,000

+ Reissuance because of damage or loss

400,000

2

laissez-passer:

100,000

a)

Through Vietnam – Laos or Vietnam – Cambodia border

50,000

b)

For trade workers and officials in bordering areas of Vietnam to bordering areas of China.

50,000

c)

For residents of bordering communes to enter bordering communes of China that are adjacent to Vietnam.

5,000

d)

For Vietnamese citizens to enter bordering provinces/cities of individual that are adjacent to Vietnam for tourism or working.

50,000

3

Exit permit

200,000

4

Diplomatic note for issuance of entry visa

10,000

5

Diplomatic note for issuance of transit visa

5,000

6

AB stamp

50,000

7

Certification of personnel

100,000

Notes:

1. The fee for adjustment of passport/laissez-passer is 25% of the fee.

2. The fee charged on children going with their family who have passports or equivalent documents is 25% of the fee.

II. Fees paid by foreigners and Vietnamese citizens residing oversea.

No.

Description

Fee

1

Single-entry visa

25 USD

2

Multiple-entry visa with a duration of

a)

3 months

50 USD

b)

03 – 06 months

95 USD

c)

06 – 12 months

135 USD

3

Transfer of visa, temporary residence card, temporary residence period from old passport to new passport

Resolution No. 46/NQ-CP dated June 18, 2015 of the Government – 15 day visa free – free entry visa 15 days for citizens of the Kingdom of England, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain and the Italian Republic 6/18/2015

ON TIME-LIMITED VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN AND THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

THE GOVERNMENT

Pursuant to the Law on Government organization dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam dated June 16, 2014;

Pursuant to the Resolution of the Government’s regular meeting - May 2015,

RESOLVES:

Article 1. Visa-free entry is granted for any citizens of the Kingdom of England, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain and the Italian Republic who enters Vietnam with temporary residence duration not exceeding 15 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport types or entry purposes, supposed that he/she comply with the provisions of Vietnamese laws.

Article 2. The policy on visa-free entry for citizens of the countries specified in Article 1 who enter Vietnam shall be applicable within 01 year, from July 01, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Extension of this period shall be considered according to the provisions of Vietnamese laws.

Article 3. This Resolution comes into effect from the day on which it is signed.

Article 4. The Ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of Governmental agencies, the Presidents of the People’s Committees of provinces shall be responsible for implementing this Resolution./.

This Circular guides the procedures for Exit and Entry Permit (form N18) for foreigners residing in Vietnam do not have passports but Resident Card issued by Vietnam.

The period of this license is shorter than Resident Card at least one (01) month and not be extended. It can not substitute the passport, does not specify the nationality of the grantee. Foreigners may be granted visa-free entry and exit out to Vietnam within the term of the license.

GUIDING THE GRANT OF EXIT AND ENTRY PERMITS FOR FOREIGNERS PERMANENTLY RESIDING IN VIET NAM HAVING NO PASSPORT

Pursuant to the Decree No.21/2001/ND-CP dated 28/5/2001 of the Government detailing the Implementation of the Ordinance on Entry, Exit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam;

Pursuant to the Resolution No.61/NQ-CP dated 17/12/2010 of the Government on simplifying administrative procedures under the functional scope of the Ministry of Public Security;

Pursuant to the Decree No.77/2009/ND-CP dated 15/9/2009 defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

The Ministry of Public Security guides the grant of exit and entry permit for foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam as follows:

Article 1. Scope and subjects of application

This Circular guides the procedures for granting entry and exit permits for foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam having no passport.

Article 2. Conditions of entry and exit permits

Foreigners who apply for entry and exit permits must meet the following conditions:

1. Having permanent residence card issued by the Immigration Agency of Vietnam.

2. Having no passport issued by the competent authorities of foreign countries.

3. Being not subject to exit suspension in accordance with the laws regulations of Vietnam.

Article 3. The duration and using value of the entry and exit permits

1. Immigration permit (the English name is Exit and Entry Permit - form N18 enclosed) is granted for each individual, with shorter time limit than the time limit required to change residence card at least 01 month and not renewable.

2. Exit and Entry Permit is not value of passport substitute, not specifying the nationality of person who is granted.

3. Person who brings Exit and Entry Permit together permanent residence card that exempted from visa when exiting and entering Vietnam in term of the Permit.

Article 4. The procedures, place where has received the dossiers and the time limit of settling the grant of Exit and Entry Permits

1. The dossiers include:

- 01 declaration form N17A (attached herewith);

- A copy (not required to be certified) of the permanent residence card issued by the Immigration Agency of Vietnam together with the original for the recipient to check and compare;

2. Foreigners permanently residing in Vietnam request for granting Exit and Entry Permits to file at the Immigration Offices of Public Securities of provinces, the cities where the foreigners reside permanently, or the Immigration Department of Ministry of Public Security.

3. Within 02 working days from the date of receiving complete and valid dossiers, the Immigration Offices of Public Securities of provinces, the cities review and forward the dossiers requesting for Exit and Entry Permits to the Immigration Department of Ministry of Public Security. Within 04 working days from the date of receiving valid dossiers, the Immigration Department of Ministry of Public Security considers the grant of Exit and Entry Permits.

4. The person who requests for Exit and Entry Permits due to expiry, damage required to make new dossiers, if they are lost; the declaration of losing Exit and Entry Permits by the form N17B (attached herewith) is required to be attached.

Article 5. Fees for Exit and Entry Permits

Those who are granted Exit and Entry Permits must pay fees as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.

Article 6. The withdrawal of Exit and Entry Permits

1. Exit and Entry Permits are revoked in the cases those who are granted are suspended from exit under the law regulations of Vietnam.

2. The Immigration Department of Ministry of Public Security or the Immigration Offices of Public Securities of provinces, the cities shall implement the withdrawal of Exit and Entry Permits.

Article 7. Handling of violations

Agencies, organizations and individuals violating this Circular, depending on the nature and seriousness of their violations, shall be handled in accordance with the laws regulations of Vietnam.

Article 8. Organization of implementation

The Immigration Department of Ministry of Public Security is responsible for:

- Guiding the concerned agencies and organizations and foreigners to implement this Circular.

- Coordinating with the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the competent authorities of the countries to create conditions for the persons who grant Entry and Exit Permits.

- Making inspection, state statistics on the grant of Entry and Exit Permits.

Article 9. Effect

1. This Circular takes effect from August 14, 2011 and replaces the Decision No.679/2007/QD-BCA-A11 dated 20/06/2007 of the Minister of Public Security on issuing the Regulations of issuance and management of "Entry and Exit Permits".

2. The Directors General, heads of units under the Ministry, Public Security Directors of the provinces and cities under central authority, the Directors of Police Services of fire prevention and fighting are responsible for the implementation of this Circular.

During the implementation, if problems arise, Public Security units, localities, concerned agencies and organizations to reflect to the Ministry of Public Security (through the Immigration Department) for guidance timely.